2003 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · DG03 ANF
2003 Toyota RAV-4 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 103,614 miles. MOT expired on 18 Jan 2024.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA RAV-4
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Jan 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Jul 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 103,614 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DG03 ANF Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/01/2023
- 103,614 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DG03 ANF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Rav-4 (DG03 ANF) between January 2022 and January 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 January 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
DG03 ANF Mileage History
- 13/01/202298,283 mi
- 10/01/2023103,613 mi+5,330 mi
- 12/01/2023103,614 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 5,348 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A solid, high-capacity SUV that has been maintained reasonably well but currently shows signs of age-related wear requiring attention before purchase.
When inspecting this third-generation RAV-4, prioritize checking the suspension system. Given the 2023 failure for both rear lower suspension arm bushes and a fractured coil spring, ensure these parts have been professionally replaced rather than just patched. You should also ask for a full service history to confirm the 2.0L engine has had regular oil changes, as this is vital for longevity.
Check for rust on the undercarriage, particularly around the suspension mounting points, which can be common for this era. Since the car had a central exhaust leak during its last failure, verify that the exhaust system is currently sound and not heavily corroded. Negotiate based on whether the recent MOT-related repairs have been fully addressed.
The 2000cc petrol engine is not particularly thirsty compared to modern hybrids; expect roughly 28-32 mpg in real-world conditions. Tax for a 2003 model is relatively low, but insurance groups can be mid-range depending on your driver profile.
Maintenance costs for Toyotas are generally predictable, though parts like suspension arms and shocks can add up. Budget an annual running cost of approximately £1,100-£1,400 including fuel, tax, and routine servicing.
Focus your inspection on the rear suspension. The MOT history explicitly shows wear on both rear lower suspension arm bushes and a broken offside coil spring. Test the car over uneven- to listen for any clunking or creaking noises which would indicate further worn bushes or shock absorbers.
Examine the exhaust system thoroughly. The 'minor leak' recorded in January 2023 suggests the beginning of the end for the central section of the exhaust. Additionally, check the rubber boots on the track rods, as the history noted a damaged dust cover in 2020.
This 2003 Toyota RAV-4 shows a consistent history of usage, currently sitting at approximately 103,600 miles as of its last test. While it enjoyed a period of clean records between 2021 and 2022, the most recent 2023 failure highlights common suspension and exhaust issues. The 2.0L petrol engine is a known robust unit, but the age of the vehicle means rubber components are increasingly failing.
The 2003-2005 RAV-4 is regarded for its mechanical durability, provided the timing chain and suspension are well-maintained.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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